Iain Cochrane takes up top post at Prestwick Airport

Mar 12 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE only way is up for Prestwick Airport.

So says the new man at the helm, Iain Cochrane.

Iain worked at the airport for 14 years before taking up the role of chief executive, so it’s a business close to his heart.

He filled the shoes of Mark Rodwell in November last year when Mr Rodwell headed back to his native New Zealand.

It’s been an action packed few months for the 46-year-old, but he has more than enough experience to deal with the ups and downs of running an airport.

Iain told the Post: “I worked at the airport through the period of growth when it was the fastest growing airport in the UK and was topping the two million passenger mark.

“And the last couple of years has been a sad decline which has been slightly larger than the average UK decline.

“Now that we’ve changed our strategy and are starting to build momentum we’re back into a period of growth.”

He continued: “I came in to work in IT and technology then I rose through the ranks to technical director.

I later moved to the operations side of the business and became operations director.

“When Infratil took over the business and restructured, I took on a role over three airports then in November last year I became chief executive.”

The airport has had a tough couple of years.

But Iain insists the worst of the troubles are over.

He said: “Nothing in business is guaranteed but we don’t foresee any short term significant redundancies.

“We had to reduce our head count, it just wasn’t in line with the business requirements.

“There are some areas we are going through a minor recruitment phase to cope with the upturn with demand for the summer schedules.”

Iain also hit out at critics who regularly claim Prestwick are ‘laying all their eggs in one basket with Ryanair.

He said: “They are a very strong supporter of Prestwick. Whilst there are risks associated with having one dominant carrier, there are advantages.

“If you look at the finance of other UK airlines, if you were to put your eggs in one basket, it would be the Ryanair basket.”

But on a brighter note, the airport does employ 350 staff plus around 60 people who work in the retail units.

A £1.4 million upgrade to the departure lounge has been a big hit with passengers and now a £44,000 upgrade to the baggage carousel is on the cards.

Iain concluded: “The future is bright for Prestwick Airport. With the ongoing dedication and committment from staff in a very difficult financial environment, I’m sure we’ll thrive.”